A story that stays with you. The forlorn quality of McKanna's lucid prose, bordering on exhaustion but rescuing itself with precise little bursts of energy, left me wanting to read more of her work. This story is edgy without the emotionally bleached out tone of much of today's younger, cooler writers. And the complex relationship between the two sisters is a very moving blend of devotion, rivalry, resentment, and that unsolicited and barbed insight that marks our closest, most constant connections.
I loved this story. It pulled me in from the first word. I've always wished I had siblings and the opportunity to experience life with another who shares such deep connections. I wanted it to go on.
Kathy Holmes-Branton replied on Mon, 08/18/2014 - 08:49pm
I enjoyed the uniformity and flow of this story. It was a realistic portrayal of the relationship between two sisters. I enjoyed following them on their travels. The story leaves no doubt that this is a normal reaction to the differences in the sisters' lives and that bond, although rocky, is impenetrable.
What started as a quick lunch time read turned into a fevered urgency to finish before my meeting started at one. A beautiful story about how those we love can end up hurting us the most.
A very good example, brought to literature from psychology. I like the way each one of the sisters deal with their respective mournings. It´s a story about sorority and working through grief.
I liked it.
Susana Neuhaus replied on Mon, 10/26/2020 - 08:28am
Perfect pacing ... really done well, imbued with a sense of danger but also connection, occasionally threatened, between the sisters. I will remember it!
Rebecca, I loved your story. There is not one boring word. It has a lot of energy and pulls the reader along. Story is off to a great start with one sister a widow, the other a divorcee. And how wonderful to give us the Venice setting. I looked up your bio and can't wait to read your upcoming novel. Reading your words is like opening a much-desired gift.
I loved this for so many reasons. The relationship between the sisters. The mix of Italian history. The surprises I least expected. The mix of historical fact (monks' bones) and present-day details (cell phone navigation). This is a really good piece of writing.
Jennifer Johns replied on Thu, 07/20/2023 - 07:44am
A story that stays with you. The forlorn quality of McKanna's lucid prose, bordering on exhaustion but rescuing itself with precise little bursts of energy, left me wanting to read more of her work. This story is edgy without the emotionally bleached out tone of much of today's younger, cooler writers. And the complex relationship between the two sisters is a very moving blend of devotion, rivalry, resentment, and that unsolicited and barbed insight that marks our closest, most constant connections.
This was so real and believable, I had to keep telling myself it was fiction and not memoir. Bravo!
I loved this story. It pulled me in from the first word. I've always wished I had siblings and the opportunity to experience life with another who shares such deep connections. I wanted it to go on.
I loved the symmetry.
I enjoyed the uniformity and flow of this story. It was a realistic portrayal of the relationship between two sisters. I enjoyed following them on their travels. The story leaves no doubt that this is a normal reaction to the differences in the sisters' lives and that bond, although rocky, is impenetrable.
I am enlightened. Thank you for sharing this wonderful piece.
I loved this story, the details are presented in an appropriate timeline.
What started as a quick lunch time read turned into a fevered urgency to finish before my meeting started at one. A beautiful story about how those we love can end up hurting us the most.
Loved it. Thank you
A very good example, brought to literature from psychology. I like the way each one of the sisters deal with their respective mournings. It´s a story about sorority and working through grief.
I liked it.
This is great!
Perfect pacing ... really done well, imbued with a sense of danger but also connection, occasionally threatened, between the sisters. I will remember it!
Rebecca, I loved your story. There is not one boring word. It has a lot of energy and pulls the reader along. Story is off to a great start with one sister a widow, the other a divorcee. And how wonderful to give us the Venice setting. I looked up your bio and can't wait to read your upcoming novel. Reading your words is like opening a much-desired gift.
I loved this for so many reasons. The relationship between the sisters. The mix of Italian history. The surprises I least expected. The mix of historical fact (monks' bones) and present-day details (cell phone navigation). This is a really good piece of writing.